Open to the Public
In August 2018, British artist Alex Chinneck returned with a new outdoor artwork in Ashford, Kent.
‘Open to the public’ appeared overnight, with Chinneck secretly transforming an unused building into a surreal sculpture.
The artwork, commissioned by U+I, a specialist regeneration and property developer recognised for creative vision and entrepreneurial flair, creates the illusion that the walls of a 1960s office building have been unzipped to reveal its interior. In doing so, Chinneck elevates the everyday structure to the status of an artwork, bending its walls and windows as if by magic.
Over the past five years, the artist has completed a succession of major street sculptures including sliding the brick facade off a three-storey property in Margate; constructing a full-size melting house from 7,500 wax bricks in London Bridge; creating the illusion that a stone building on London’s Covent Garden Piazza was floating in mid-air; and inverting a 37 m electricity pylon to stand on its tip.
The installation is on the Kent Wool Growers site, which is also home to the Grade 2* listed building, The Whist, and will temporarily transform a derelict building into a statement work of art, illuminated by night.
“We are excited to have an artist of Alex’s calibre and renowned reputation bringing his surreal sense of fun to a disused building and completely changing it overnight into a sensational talking point for all who see it.” said Cllr Mike Bennett, Ashford Borough Council portfolio holder for culture.
Richard Upton, Deputy Chief Executive at U+I said: “We have been involved in a number of projects in Ashford and have enjoyed working with Ashford Borough Council on the regeneration of this vibrant town. When we discovered Alex Chinneck was local to the area and producing such ground-breaking work, it was only a matter of time before we had to find an excuse to collaborate. Open to the public is an art piece that chimes with our own values as a business – that property development and regeneration should be about places for people – collaborative, inclusive and authentic.”
Alex Chinneck: ‘Open to the public’ is a temporary installation available to view throughout August 2018. Address: Brundrett House, Tannery Lane, Ashford, TN23 1PN.
Instagram: @alexchinneck #opentothepublic www.alexchinneck.com
This article was originally published by U+I on 1 August 2018.
--U and I
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.